State Senator David G. Argall | Pennsylvania 29th District
State Senator David G. Argall | Pennsylvania 29th District
Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Rep. Dane Watro (R-116) recently joined Mahanoy City Borough officials for a walking tour of a section of Main Street, which is set to see significant upgrades. The legislators worked to secure a state grant totaling $415,000, intended to fund part of the borough’s plan to revitalize the downtown business district.
The funding will be used to install new curbs, sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, benches, trees and more along Main Street. Mike Connolly, Chairperson of Mahanoy City Borough Council said, “It’s really exciting, Mahanoy City is headed in the right direction. Ten years ago, if you came to this town, you never would have thought we were going where we’re going.”
Argall recalled his early days in the Senate saying: “When I first joined the Senate, one of the first decisions awaiting me was if I should maintain the downtown office established here by Senator Jim Rhoades. I agreed as one small step in aiding the local efforts to get Mahanoy City back on its feet. I’ve never regretted that decision! I’m thankful this highly competitive funding will help them take their next big step.”
Watro also expressed optimism about the project stating: “This is a great project that’s going to do so much for the community by attracting new businesses and beautifying the area. I was happy to work with Senator Argall to acquire this funding which will breathe new life into Mahanoy City.”
In recent months, the borough has issued a record number of occupancy permits for people to repair older homes. Several new businesses have opened their doors in the last three months including Merengue II Cake Restaurant and F&J Deli Grocery.
NorthPoint Development’s Mountain Valley Logistics Center is also expected to create new family-sustaining jobs in the area. Located just two miles from Mahanoy City, the center’s first tenant, Box Packaging Partners, has already created more than 60 jobs, with dozens more expected as their operations expand. Other tenants could also utilize this space in the future, creating even more jobs.
The grant was approved during a public meeting of the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF). The MTF, as created by the General Assembly, provides funding to encourage economic development and a safe, reliable system of transportation to residents of Pennsylvania.
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